Nowadays, more and more foreign students come to China. They may be traveling to China for study, learning Chinese, work or just a memorable experience. As a student, if you travel abroad alone, do make sure that you are entirely able to look after yourself.
You should know the weather of your destination. Be sure to have enough cash in RMB Yuan, traveler's checks and bankcards to cover all financial eventualities while traveling. ATMs can help you get cash abroad and make sure you have a debit or credit card acceptable in China. As for accommodations, we suggest you stay in a Youth Hostel or budget hotels. You may choose to stay with a Chinese family, if you have a Chinese friend, your situation will be much better.
Foreign student cards for preferential fares such as train or air tickets, issued by your local school or organization, are currently unacceptable in China. However, scenic spots in some cities may offer a discount on admission fees. Only the student card issued by China's Ministry of Education enables students to enjoy a variety of favorable terms.
If you have an ISIC (International Student Identity Card), you can enjoy some preferential prices in Hong Kong, Macau and some cities in South China. For instance, you can get a discounted ticket on airplanes, buses, trains and ferryboats. In addition, you can save money visiting the world's leading museums and cultural sites. Some attractions and entertainment places may even accept it.
ISIC is obtainable in your own country through a travel agency or a relevant institution. If you are a full-time student aged 12 years or over, you are eligible for an International Student Identity Card. To apply for ISIC, you are asked to show proof that you are currently a full-time student at a recognized institution. Proof could be your college or university student identity card or a signed letter from your school official. ISIC is valid from September this year to December of the next year. Once it is out of date, you should apply for a new one. To learn more about the details of ISIC, please go to the official website: http://www.isic.org/sisp/.
Copyright© 1998-2009 TravelChinaGuide.com, All rights reserved.
Travelers' Voices on Student Travelers to China
1.
Jul. 1,2009 10:49 Reply
Ms.Rima(Bangladesh) said:
how to get a ISIC?
Jul. 1,2009 19:49
Mr.mike(usa) replied:
Hello, this is what i find on internet
Call 1-800-223-7986 (toll-free) to apply by phone through STA travel agency, apply for an ISIC card online, or find your nearest ISIC issuing office online. Many campus registrar or international education (study abroad) offices are ISIC issuers.
Gather one passport-sized photo (2x2 inches head and shoulders shot, with your name printed in ink on the back).
Prepare payment of 2 (personal check or money order if applying by mail - add .00 if applying by mail or phone - or have a credit or debit card ready if applying by phone).
Gather proof of student status: a photocopy of school ID that is valid this year, or a photocopy of your transcript/report card for this academic year.
Gather proof of your age: a copy of your driver's license, passport, state issued identification card or student identification card if it shows your age. A birth certificate won't work because your proof must show a current photo and your age.
If applying by phone or online, be prepared to fax the above documents to the issuing ISIC agency (you'll be given a fax number) and have your credit or debit card handy. If applying by mail, send the 5 you have prepared and the above documents to STA Travel, National Service Center, ID Department, 7890 S. Hardy, Suite 110, Tempe AZ, 85284.
Wait for your ISIC card to arrive,and start reaping the benefits. The ISIC card comes in handy for some student travel discounts, like a student discount on Amtrak and as international id.
Jul. 1,2009 22:42
Ms.Rima(Bangladesh) replied:
it sounds a little tough, thanks anyway. :)